Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Cinnamon Roll Cookies combine the soft, sweet flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with the convenience of a cookie. These treats are perfect when you want the warm spices and creamy frosting of a cinnamon roll without the long bake time.
Ingredients
- Cookie dough (prepared from butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, and salt)
- Cinnamon sugar filling (cinnamon mixed with granulated sugar)
- Cream cheese frosting (cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the cinnamon sugar filling by mixing cinnamon and granulated sugar until combined.
- Step 2: Cream butter and sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy, then add eggs and additional egg yolks, mixing well after each addition.
- Step 3: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—until a dough forms.
- Step 4: Roll the dough out into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Step 5: Evenly spread the cinnamon sugar filling over the dough rectangle.
- Step 6: Carefully roll the dough jelly-roll style, starting from one long edge.
- Step 7: Cut the rolled dough into approximately 12 equal slices, then gently roll each slice into a ball.
- Step 8: Place the balls on a baking sheet and bake until golden and set.
- Step 9: Once cooled, frost the cookies with cream cheese frosting made by blending cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon sugar filling.
- Use maple or honey in the frosting for a unique sweetness.
- Chill the dough before rolling to make handling easier and to prevent sticking.
- Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar layer for a crunchy texture.
Storage
Store cinnamon roll cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If refrigerated, allow cookies to come to room temperature before serving. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm. Frosted cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cookie dough for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought cookie dough can be used, but make sure it is a basic sugar cookie dough that will hold its shape when rolled and cut. Homemade dough often gives the best texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the cinnamon sugar from leaking out while baking?
Rolling the dough tightly and sealing the edges well will help contain the cinnamon sugar filling. Chilling the roll before slicing can also reduce leakage during baking.
PrintCinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies capture the warm, sweet flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in a delightful cookie form. Soft, chewy, and swirled with cinnamon sugar, these cookies are finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting, making them perfect for breakfast treats or dessert.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly. Melt the butter and mix it into the cinnamon sugar until it forms a moist, spreadable filling.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Yolks: Beat in the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined into a dough.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a roughly 12×8 inch rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread Cinnamon Sugar: Evenly spread the prepared cinnamon sugar filling over the rolled dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Form the Roll: Carefully roll the dough jelly-roll style, starting from a long edge, to create a tight spiral.
- Cut and Shape Cookies: Cut the dough roll into approximately 12 equal slices. Roll each slice gently into a ball shape to encourage a rounded cookie.
- Bake Cookies: Place cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and the bottoms are golden.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: While cookies bake and cool, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and spreadable.
- Frost Cookies: Once cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe cream cheese frosting generously over each cookie.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are fully softened for smooth mixing in both dough and frosting.
- Do not overbake the cookies to keep them soft and chewy.
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the cookie dough as well.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- You can substitute light brown sugar for dark brown sugar in the filling for a milder flavor if desired.
Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, cream cheese frosting cookies, soft cookies, dessert cookies, breakfast cookies
